LaNier, Judy Benson
Artist Statement
Judy Benson LaNier is a professional photographer who specializes in photographing African Wildlife. Her love of Africa began in 1961 when her family hosted Ashland, Oregon’s very first Rotary-sponsored exchange student who was from South Africa. The bond forged then continued through the years as the two families visited each other in Africa and the U.S.A.
“When I first went to Africa in 1994 I was amazed that the animals of the Bush ignored us completely. These magnificent animals, which had fascinated me since childhood, went about their business as if nothing extraordinary was happening. Little did they know that something quite extraordinary was happening inside me! I was experiencing a catharsis, a cleansing of my soul. I was being taught what is truly important in life and I was filled with joy by the lessons!
I hope that my photographs bring you a taste of the elemental-ness of life in the Bush as well as the grandeur and beauty of nature. Next time, join me on Safari!”
About Judy Benson LaNier
Judy Benson LaNier is a native of Grand Forks, North Dakota and her family moved to Ashland, Oregon while she was in elementary school. She developed a passion for art at an early age and spent many years teaching art to students from grade school through college. She “discovered” photography while in graduate school at University of Oregon.
Capturing the essence of the natural world is a quest that keeps Judy searching for images. Whether she is at home in her own garden or traveling in Africa or Hawaii, her images focus on often over-looked beauty and patterns which invite the viewer to linger.
Her work has been published in books and magazines and has been shown in galleries and art shows for nearly 30 years.
Retired from teaching, Judy currently resides in Talent, Oregon with her husband, Mike and Poki, their snowshoe cat. She spends her time preparing for Photo Safaris in Africa for which she is the photographic leader. She also makes pri nts, books, and greeting cards with her photographs.
PUBLICATIONS:
ON SAFARI: THE SOURCE FOR SAFARIS IN EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA by David Anderson
Winner of The Benjamin Franklin Awards for Independent Publishers in the categories of “Nature and the Environment” and “Travel Guides.” Contributing Photographer
IMAGES OF AFRICA: A photo portfolio by Judy Benson LaNier
FACE TO FACE: A photo portfolio by Judy Benson LaNier
LABOR OF LOVE: A photographic primer on pregnant lions by Judy Benson LaNier
TOAD HALL ADVENTURES: A photographic summary of traveling in the Midlands of South Africa
ADVENTURES IN KENYA: DVD by Judy Benson LaNier
TRAVELS IN TANZANIA: DVD by Judy Benson LaNier
BEST OF PHOTOGRAPHY ANNUAL, 1987–Honorable Mention, 1988–Finalist, 2002–Finalist
Reflections Magazine, contributing artist–1986, 1987
EXHIBITIONS:
More than 25 one-woman exhibitions to date including:
369 UP GALLERY, Ashland, Oregon, featured photographer, 2002-2005
September, 2003–2008Black Butte Ranch Annual Art Show, Black Butte Ranch, Central Oregon
September, October, 2006, 2007–Grants Pass Art Museum Wildlife Show, Grants Pass, Oregon
November, 2007 to present–Gallerie Karon, Ashland, Oregon
September, 2008 to present–Gallerie Karon and Gallerie Menagerie, Ashland, Oregon
July, August, 2009 Talent Art Festival, one person exhibit at Arbor House Restaurant, Talent, Oregon
May, 2010, Talent Art Festival, one person exhibit at South Valley Bank, Talent, Oregon
May, 2010 to present–Don Terra Artworks, Sisters, Oregon
MEMBERSHIPS:
North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA)
Southern Oregon Photography Association (SOPA), treasurer
Artist Code: JBL
